Let It Burn: Death [Sasuke Uchiha]

Chapter 31

There was a collection of relieved faces once they stepped inside the gates. Even more so when reporting to the lord in his great hall with the council in attendance. The remainder of the mission had lasted in complete silence with no hiccups. Even Masa no longer taunted the Phantom Ninja with his words. In fact, he almost refused to look in her direction.

"We were ambushed," Toshi stated. "And their numbers were far greater than expected. If not for... our teammates from Konoha and Iwa, we would have probably been in worse shape."

"How can I ever repay you?" Lord Reagon questioned.

"A hot bath, a warm bed, some food, and supplies for the trip home," Jiro answered.

The man was rather surprised neither asked for more money, seeing as how their mission had become rather dangerous upon reaching their land. Their request was rather humble.

"Of course."

A proper bath was a welcome as the Be Fong stood under the steady stream clearing away the blood dried on the fingers from where it dripped from the strings. And there was a bit in her hair. She was given a change of clothing to sleep in. Too bad none of this overnight luxury would be enjoyed. Mai never slept well, if at all, in unknown territories. And this one was hostile. Though there was no activity the ninja only rested on the comfortable bed going in and out of awareness.

Once morning approached and the household came alive the lord, Kura, the ninja that traveled with Jiro and Mai, along with a few council members, made their way to the entrance of Suga. It wasn't a surprise to Jiro as he approached the front gate with them close behind to find Mai waiting and equipped to move. The young man chuckled under his breath.

"We thank you for the hospitality," the Iwa Ninja stated. The two shook hands as the lord grinned,

"My pleasure. If either of you are in the area you are welcome any time."

"We'll keep that in mind." Though the two doubted they'd return soon. "Try not to get into too much trouble, Kura."

The daughter gave a slight smirk, "I'll try and restrain myself."

He turned to the Stone and Forest Ninjas. "Pleasure traveling with you."

They shook hands in parting, but when it came to the Be Fong all they did was nod. The same thing happened when addressing the council. Her appearance when arriving and display in the forest had most certainly had a lasting impression on all.

"Ah, before you go..." Lord Reagon followed them a few paces as the ninja prepared to leave. The others watched from a distance to their private conversation, though one of the council members noticed Kura appeared uneasy.

"Is there something wrong?" the man wondered. "Does this have something to do with Be Fong?"

"Do you know anything about her?" Kura asked.

"Only stories. Not of her, but the one infamous Be Fong Clan." He sighed. "Such a shame, she's the only one left."

"I've heard rumors," another murmured. "A Be Fong doesn't go down easily. And clearly that remains to be true from her record that she is unbeatable."

"Why does this bother you so much, Kura?"

Their conversation had drawn the attention of the Stone and Forest Ninjas.

"She didn't even bat an eye or hesitate to kill the Claw Ninjas," the young woman whispered. "Like their blood on her didn't matter. Killing them didn't matter. They were our enemies... And I almost felt bad for them because they were so brutally ripped apart. What kind of person does that?"